Title: Appalachian Conservation Corps Field Technician

Wages: 21.10/hr.
Location: Harrisonburg, VA

Status: Seasonal, Full-time

Dates: January-November 2026

Benefits: Health benefits, Annual Wellness Benefit, Annual Staff Development Benefit, Paid Time Off

Reports to: Program Manager or Crew Program Director

Organizational Summary:

Conservation Legacy is a nationwide non-profit. The Corps programs within the organization engage participants in diverse conservation and community projects that serve public and private lands. These projects provide opportunities for personal and professional development and strive toward a high priority of needs for public land managers and community partners. Through the mission of engaging future leaders who protect, restore, and enhance our nation’s lands through community-based service; Conservation Legacy works toward a world with healthy lands, air, and water; thriving people and resilient communities.

Program Summary:

Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) works to connect young people to critical conservation service work across Appalachia and neighboring communities in Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, DC, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. As an AmeriCorps program, ACC partners with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations. Our programs focus on service, place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers. ACC welcomes national applicants but also emphasizes the engagement of local individuals who represent the communities in which they serve.

Position Summary:

The Field Supervisor’s primary role is to provide leadership, technical, and logistical field support to all ACC conservation crews. The position requires a significant field presence to assist crews with project needs, as well as management of the ACC shop. Field visits cover a multi-state footprint including, but not limited to VA, WV, PA, DE and OH. Field time will consist of day crew visits near the ACC office and overnight visits to camping crews. The schedule for this position is based on dynamic organizational needs. This individual will be expected to work independently and as a member of a team.

Responsibilities:

Field Support

• Maintain a consistent staff presence in the field, including frequent overnight stays to assist in managing on-the-ground project quality and quantity.
• Support rig-up and de-rig events and procedures.
• Serve as technical expert and advisor on projects as needed, aligning project details with partner/agency standards and specifications.
• Maintain strong working relationships with a diverse array of land managers including pre-site visits.
• Enforce and exemplify all ACC, CL, and agency policies and procedures while in the field and at office/shop.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of Crew Leader and Crew Member trainings.
• Serve as substitute on crews as needed.
• Support, coach, mentor and supervise members and leaders in both technical and interpersonal work.
• Facilitate behavior improvement and disciplinary procedures as needed.

Shop and Vehicle Support

• Maintain shop space to operate efficiently, including tracking and repairing hand and power tools.
• Track, maintain, and purchase tools and field equipment.
• Assist in management and maintenance of ACC’s vehicle and trailer fleet.
• Assist Program Coordinators in tracking established annual budget for field related resources.
• Assist with food purchasing for crews when needed.
• Assist with other general duties as needed or assigned by supervisor.

Staff Support

• Collaborate with the Program Director, Program Managers, and Program Coordinators to train, mentor, and supervise a broad scope of corps members and crew leaders across ACC programs.
• Assist ACC staff in identifying and developing an internal talent pool for future leadership positions inside and outside of ACC.
• Assist Program Coordinators in the implementation of crew leader and corps member trainings including technical work, protocols, leadership, and facilitation skills.
• Be a role model and mentor throughout training and field season.
• Work with other ACC staff on pressing projects as needed.
• Collaborate with other program staff to ensure proper resources are provided to crews in the field.
• Learn ACC’s Emergency Phone systems and take part in “on-call” responses as needed.

Other Duties:

Our Commitment

Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience supervising crews and facilitating the completion of high-quality conservation projects related to trail construction and maintenance, invasive species removal, fuels management, etc.
• Technical competence in dry stone masonry, full bench trail construction, fencing, invasive species removal, chainsaw operations, etc.
• Experience with tool maintenance, including rehandling and basic chain saw engine repair.
• Must hold a current Wilderness First Responder certification.
• Must hold a National Sawyer Chainsaw Certification Level A felling, bucking, limbing, with the ability to obtain a level B within a year.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor young adults working in remote outdoors settings performing arduous physical labor.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and capacity to work in a fluid, changing work environment with variable scheduling and frequent problem-solving.
• The ability to communicate professionally both internally and externally with stakeholders.
• Proficient in computer programs, databases, other technology; ability to manage data in an organized, consistent, and timely manner.
• Valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.
• Must be able to pass a criminal history background check.

Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.